“Into the Woods” Musical Production Begins Filming in the UK; Features Award-Winning Cast and Production Team

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

Walt Disney Pictures has begun production of the highly anticipated musical, “Into the Woods”, first introduced at the 2013 D23 Expo. Production has begun in the UK, with continued shooting in studio and on location throughout England. The film is slated for a December 25, 2014, holiday release.

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A modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, “Into the Woods” takes the plots of the classic tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, and intertwines them into a story which explores the consequences of the characters’ various wishes and quests. This heartfelt and humorous musical brings these tales together into an original story involving a baker and his wife, and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them. Their quest is to break the witch’s curse in order to start a family, and in doing so, learn what it means to “live happily ever after”.

The film is based on the Tony®-winning original musical by James Lapine, who also penned the screenplay, and legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, who provides the music and lyrics. This big-screen adaptation welcomes songs from the stage musical, including “Children Will Listen,” “Giants in the Sky,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “No One Is Alone” and “Agony,” among others. Sondheim has also penned an all-new song for this story’s theatrical debut.

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Sean Bailey shares details with the D23 audience about the new musical.

The Award-Winning Cast includes:

  • Meryl Streep, portraying the Witch who wishes to reverse a curse so that her beauty may be restored.
  • Emily Blunt as the Baker’s Wife, a childless woman who longs to be a mother.
  • James Corden, playing the role of the Baker, a hard-working man who desperately wants to start a family.
  • Anna Kendrick will fill the shoes of Cinderella, who finds herself on a journey of self-discovery.
  • Chris Pine will portray Cinderella’s Prince, charming and impossibly handsome, who is on an endless quest to find his bride.
  • Johnny Depp, as the Wolf, who sets his sights on Little Red Riding Hood.
  • Lilla Crawford will make her feature-film debut as Little Red Riding Hood, a smart and spunky girl who journeys into the woods, finding unexpected adventures along the way.
  • Daniel Huttlestone in the role of Jack, an absentminded and adventurous boy who trades his treasured cow for five magic beans.
  • Tracey Ullman will play Jack’s Mother, a poor and exasperated mom who is overwhelmed, yet fiercely protective of her son.
  • Christine Baranski as the infamous Stepmother who wishes for riches and grandeur; she’ll do anything to marry off one of her daughters to a prince.
  • MacKenzie Mauzy, playing Rapunzel, a sheltered young woman who experiences the world beyond her tower for the first time.
  • Billy Magnussen as the dashing and eager Prince who courts Rapunzel.

Supporting roles include: Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch as Cinderella’s spoiled stepsisters, Florinda and Lucinda. Richard Glover is the Princes’ royal steward, Frances de la Tour portrays the giant, and Simon Russell Beale is the Baker’s father. Actress Joanna Riding portrays Cinderella’s late mother, and Little Red Riding Hood’s beloved granny is played by Annette Crosbie.

Daniel Huttlestone and James Corden rehearsing on set of Into The Woods!

Daniel Huttlestone and James Corden rehearsing on set of Into The Woods!

Into the Woods” is being produced by Rob Marshall, the talented filmmaker behind the Academy Award®-winning musical Chicago and Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Marc Platt, who produced the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical Wicked on Broadway, along with John DeLuca and Callum McDougall.

The award-winning production team includes Dion Beebe, Oscar® winner for the Marshall-helmed “Memoirs of a Geisha,” as director of photography. Dennis Gassner, who won his own Oscar for “Bugsy,” serves as production designer, and three-time Oscar winner Colleen Atwood is costume designer.

“Into the Woods” has been produced around the world, including a 1988 U.S. tour, a 1990 West End production, Broadway and London revivals, in addition to a television production, DVD recording and a 10-year-anniversary concert, and first premiered on Broadway on Nov. 5, 1987. Now we have a Disney Studios Musical Production to look forward to!

Stay tuned to WDW News Today for all your Walt Disney Studios Information!

Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company.

VIDEO: Celebrate Earth Day 2014 with Disneynature “Bears”

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

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The fifth theatrical release for Disneynature, “Bears” captures all the excitement and true life adventure and suspense of life in the Alaskan wilderness. You will find this story breathtaking, as you follow a year in the life of a bear family, with two young cubs learning the most important lessons in life. From hybernation, bitter cold, the threat of avalanches, and foraging for food, all while trying to keep a safe distance from savage predators, “Bears” will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for their survival.

Watch the heartwarming official trailer here:

Disneynature has thus far produced four of the top five highest grossing feature-length nature films of all time, and joins Walt Disney’s 13 True Life Adventure motion pictures, which earned him eight Academy Awards®.  “Bears” is directed by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey, and will arrive in US theaters on April 18, 2014, in celebration of Earth Day. If you choose to see “Bears” during its opening week (April 18-24, 2014), Disneynature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, to protect wildlife and wild places across America’s national park system.

Video and Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company.

Cool Off with the New Animated Film Frozen in the Fall Issue of Disney Twenty-Three

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

This August, the latest issue of Disney twenty-three Magazine will be delivered to the mailboxes of D23 Gold Members, and the cover story is Frozen! Disney’s 53rd animated feature, in theatres this November, will be the highlight of this issue, with behind-the-scenes film maker magic, as well as interviews with voice actors Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel.

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Readers will also enjoy a fascinating look at newly discovered photographs recovered from Walt’s personal camera in “Every Picture Tells a Story”. AAD23.com-Press-Dscovered-walts-4

There will be stories about Tokyo Disneyland’s 30th Anniversary in “Happiness in the Park”, as well as an inside look at Hong Kong Disneyland’s exhilarating new attraction Mystic Manor.

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Disney Legend Marty Sklar gives an exclusive interview, as he takes you into his home, and shares information about his exciting new book, Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.

 

Other features of this Fall issue will include:
  • The latest on the new Mickey Mouse cartoons
  • PHOTOfiles: The best photo ever taken of Walt
  • Remembering Mouseketeer Annette Funicello in “Forever Annette”
  • The Disney classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, on its 25th anniversary
  • “D Society”: A tour of the Disney Studio Lot, Jerry Bruckheimer at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Monsters University world premiere

 

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Members will also receive one of two exclusive retro-style magnets, celebrating Tinker Bell, and the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost.

Complementing the Disney twenty-three Fall issue, there will be additional magic available at D23.com starting August 9th, with member-only news and web extras. Readers will be treated to interviews with voice actors from Disney’s Planes, additional artwork from Frozen, and a video interview at home with Marty Sklar.

So grab a frosty drink and cool off while enjoying the latest Disney twenty-three magazine!

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Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company

VIDEO: Disney Launches “Takeoff Tuesdays” Series of Weekly Exclusive Planes Shorts

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Beginning Tuesday, July 9th, 2013, Disney launched a weekly series of exclusive digital shorts inspired by the upcoming animated feature Planes.

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Before landing in 3D in theaters on August 9, 2013, you can head to disney.com to view updated weekly racer profiles such as  Dusty, El Chupacabra and more.

In the first video released earlier this week, El Chupacabra, or “El Chu”, a racing legend in Mexico known for his racing passion and flair for the dramatic, is profiled:


Be sure to check back each Tuesday at disney.com for a new high-flying digital short profile!

VIDEO: Upcoming “Saving Mr. Banks” Gets Behind the Disney Magic

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

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The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA was the setting for the premiere of the movie “Mary Poppins” in 1964, as seen in this exclusive image. Though almost 50 years ago, the magic of Mary Poppins still lives in me today, as it’s one of my most beloved films. I’m sure many of you feel the same way, and this December, we’ll get to experience the behind-the-scenes magic that Walt needed to be able to create this timeless movie!

In 1934, P.L. (Pamela Lyndon) Travers released her first in a series of books about Mary Poppins … magical nanny stories that Walt Disney would read to his children … and they begged him to make a movie about the books they loved so much. Little did Walt know it would not be very easy to make their dreams come true. In the upcoming new film, “Saving Mr. Banks”, Walt (Tom Hanks) takes Travers (Emma Thompson) to Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth, hoping the magic will sweep her away.

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In an interview with Time Magazine, Emma Thompson talks about the challenge of playing the role of the famous author:

“She was a woman of quite eye-watering complexity and contradiction. Often I play people who are controlled by some very clear guiding moral principles. Like Margaret Schlegel [in Howards End], guided by the early principles of feminism and equal rights, and Elinor Dashwood [in Sense and Sensibility], guided by the principles of decency and honor. There are very clear moral prisms these women pour life through, and I understand that very well. And [Travers] was not like that at all. She was far more chaotic and confused and morally various.”

 

 

So what is “Saving Mr. Banks” really about? I dare you to say you did not have goose bumps after watching this!


The film is due to be released into theatres on December 20, 2013, with an early release in select theatres on December 13th, according to the IndieWire Network.  Directed by John Lee Hancock (of “The Blind Side” fame), filming is taking place at the Disneyland Resort, on the studio lot in Burbank, CA, and various other locations in and around Los Angeles. Additional cast members include: Ruth Wilson, Colin Farrell, Rachel Griffiths, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, B.J. Novak, Kathy Baker, Jason Schwartzman, and featuring newcomer Annie Buckley as the young Travers.

Do you think this movie will measure up? I feel quite certain that it will be practically perfect in every way!

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Images and video courtesy of the Walt Disney Company.

Walt Disney Studios Gets In On the Action at the 2011 D23 Expo

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TAKES FANS BEHIND THE SCENES
AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO, AUGUST 19-21

BURBANK, Calif. – August 9, 2011 – Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney film fans will go behind the scenes to explore the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

On Saturday, August 20, Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, producer and president, Marvel Studios, will present a not-to-be-missed look at The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate, which includes Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, Marvel’s The Avengers, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz: The Great and Powerful, and more.

With projects from Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios, this special presentation will feature never-before-seen footage and all-star appearances by Jason Segel, Kermit, and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets), Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe (John Carter), Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave), Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph), cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers, and other surprise guests.

In celebration of 25 years of moviemaking magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar:

  • A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team – Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios), Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios), Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up), Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E), Bob Peterson (co-director, Up), Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (director, Brave), and Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University).
  • The Characters of Monsters University – Director Dan Scanlon and Production Designer Ricky Nierva discuss how they combine hair, horns, and a lot of heart to bring the wonderful Monsters University characters to life.
  • Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar – In this musical presentation, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino explores his early influences through the creation of modern-day classic scores from Ratatouille, Up and Cars 2.
  • The Art of Brave – Production Designer Steve Pilcher and Shading Art Director Tia Kratter show how they and their team put paint to canvas and fingers to computer keys to create the stunning visuals of Scotland for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Brave.
  • Pixar Shorts – This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds), Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band), Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E), Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy), Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night), and Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna).

Expo attendees will also have access to advance screenings of an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall, and the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

  • Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion – Experience the art, technology, culture, and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets, and art exhibits.
  • Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D™ and more.
  • Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection – Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props, and costumes from the billion-dollar blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

DisneyNature’s African Cats Preview & Contest

WDWNT on April 17, 2011

DisneyNature’s 3rd film, African Cats, is poised to ponce into theaters on Earth Day 2011 (April 22nd for those unaware). To get you ready for the film, we have assembled a video offering a 10 minute glimpse into the film a little early. While we are not allowed to post a review of the film until Monday, this should give you a pretty good idea what to expect:

For more information on the film, you can always visit Disney.com/AfricanCats.

I’m also proud to announce that Disney has been nice enough to provide us with a pair of African Cats books to give away to one lucky reader. If you would like a chance to win the books, just send us an email at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com with your name, email, and home address by April 17th at Midnight ET with the answer to the following question:

Which of True-Life Adventures film shares it’s name with a former land at a Disney theme park?

The winner will be chosen out of all the emails submitted with the correct answer to the above question. The contest is open only to U.S. citizens, my apologies to our international readers. Again, the winner will receive both Sita the Cheetah & A Lion’s Pride books based on DisneyNature’s African cats film.